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return.”
    â€œNoelle is home now,” Mr. Pendelton said. “Nothing matters more.”
    â€œHow is she?” asked a voice from behind the cameras.
    â€œShe’s okay. Struggling a bit, as expected.” The camera zoomed in on Mrs. Pendelton, highlighting the dark purple bags under her eyes. “We just want to give her some normalcy after everything she’s been through.”
    â€œSo … as I’m sure you will all understand and respect”—Mr. Pendelton cleared his throat—“we will not be doing any additional interviews. We need to allow Noelle some space. And to keep the media circus as far from her as possible.”
    â€œYou mentioned normalcy. When will she be returning to school?” This was a different reporter. His voice was softer, not as close to the microphones. I turned up the volume, leaning forward as I watched the Pendeltons glance at each other.
    â€œWe’re not sure. We’re seeking advice on how to deal with the different situations that will arise. Right now, we’re just trying to love our daughter.” Mr. Pendelton’s voice cracked.
    â€œWe know how lucky we are,” Mrs. Pendelton said.
    â€œDo you know anything about what happened to Noelle during the two years she was gone?”
    Mr. Pendelton closed his eyes.
    â€œWe’re going to let her share those things when she’s ready.” Mrs. Pendelton reached over and grasped her husband’s hand.
    â€œThe arraignment was today, and Croft pleaded not guilty,” another reporter stated. “What about the trial? Will Ms. Pendelton testify against Croft?”
    The camera zoomed out as a man who was seated next to Mr. Pendelton leaned toward the microphones. His thick red beard looked scratchy and rough. “I’m Garrett Kelley, the lead prosecutor for this case. All I can say about the issue is that I have spoken with her and I am very impressed with her strength and fortitude.”
    Noelle’s parents thanked everyone again and then stood. Cameras flashed brightly and reporters shouted as the couple walked offscreen. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. How could Noelle’s life ever return to normal?
    I sat up, grabbed my cell phone, and dialed the first three numbers of the Pendeltons’ house, then threw the phone down on my bed.
    If I called, they would tell me the same crap about Noelle not being ready for visitors. And I couldn’t let that happen.

    As I drove through the familiar neighborhood, my mind wandered back in time, recalling the details of one of the last days I had spent with Noelle.
    â€œWhat are you gonna do with this old thing anyway?” Noelle slid forward in her chair and picked up the camera I’d set on the patio table, turning it around in her hands. I wanted to fling its thick strap around her neck to make sure she wouldn’t drop it on the concrete.
    â€œDunno.” I shrugged. “Use it, I guess.”
    â€œIt’s not digital, though?” Noelle crinkled her nose.
    â€œYou have no appreciation for the finer things, Noelle,” Coop said as he hopped down the kitchen steps with an orange Popsicle in his hand, plopping into one of the padded chairs around the table.
    â€œWho asked you?” She kicked at his bare feet, which he swept off the ground and propped on the table.
    â€œEew.” Noelle swatted at his long legs. “People eat here, you know?”
    Coop rolled his eyes. “Like Mom has ever let anyone enjoy a meal outside without dousing this table in Clorox first?”
    â€œBut your toenails are disgusting .” With her eyes narrowed to slits, Noelle inspected her brother’s toes.
    â€œA little length never hurt anyone,” Coop said, sliding his foot toward Noelle’s face with a laugh.
    Noelle flung herself back into her chair before he could make contact. “If any of your foot fungus gets on me, I won’t hesitate to kill